Frequently Asked Questions

When did 12 volt systems become available for trucks?

12 volt systems became available when the 1955 2nd series trucks where introduced, which where also known as the Task Force era. This was for all 1955 2nd series Chevy trucks except GMC trucks with 6 cylinder motors, which still used the 6 volt system (positive ground).

Thanks to Sandy Pierce for submitting this information.

What are the dimensions for a 1/2 ton Advance Design truck?

Height: 67.0"
Length: 196.6" (not including bumper guards)
Width: 68.0"
Wheelbase: 116.0"
Front Track: 57.6"
Rear Track: 60.0"
Weight: 3,275 lbs.

Thanks to Dave for submitting this information.

Are the hood and fenders interchangeable from different model trucks?

All the hoods and fenders are the same for 3100, 3600 & 3800 model trucks. Obviously, attempting to put a Chevrolet hood on a GMC just wouldn't work but putting a hood from a Chevy 1/2 ton (3100) on a Chevy 3/4 ton (3600) would work just fine (minus the side hood emblem changes). The 1 1/2 ton truck's hood and fenders are interchangeable with the 2 ton trucks. Interesting enough, all AD cabs were the same, including COEs. So the real difference between the big & small truck bodies are the fenders, hood & grille.

The only thing to watch out for is the year emblem changes. For example, a 1948 hood had a single emblem "Chevrolet" with "Thriftmaster" underneath it on the same emblem. A 1950 hood has two emblems; one says "Chevrolet" & a smaller one below it says "3100" (or what ever model designation the truck is). The 1950 hood has two sets of holes in it while the 1948 hood only has one set of holes for the side emblem. If we where to put a 1950 hood on a 1948 truck & put the 1948 side hood emblem on, we'd have an additional set of holes under the emblem. This would also work vice versa, as a 1948 hood on a 1950 truck would be a set of holes short for the second smaller emblem. Just food for thought.

Thanks to Ryan & 53 Dumpy for submitting this information.

What does COE stand for?

Cab Over Engine. These where the "big trucks" of the era starting from 1.5 ton & up. They where called COE's because the cab sat over most of the engine. The center section of the floorboard has a removable panel to get access to the engine. COE's, much like the Task Force year trucks, where workless years ago but have become fairly popular recently. Their recent popularity has been driving the values of them up, as they are ideal for hauling other vehicles around.

The major complaint about them are the extremely high cost of maintaining the braking system, largely due to a lack of available parts. Also, in several states, their weight or license class (such as air brakes) requires a CDL (Commercial Driver's License) or some form of excemption. Several people have done body swaps with 1970's/1980's lighter truck/van or P30 motorhome chassis in order to avoid this problem.

When where the 2-1/2 ton Chevrolet Heavy Duty trucks first offered and what was their lug count?

They became available in 1956 as the 7000, 8000, 9000 & 10000 series. They all came with 6 lug & a 8-3/4" wheel center hole. The 1-1/2 ton 4000 series Chevy truck had a 5 lug front & 10 lug rear with a 7-1/4" wheel center hole. Chevrolet never offered a 5 lug on a 2-1/2 ton truck.

Thanks to Mike Boteler for submitting this information.

When did the 400 big block engines become available?

A little history on the 400 big block engine. The 396 debuted in mid 1965, and was run through the 1969 model year. In 1970, it was still billed as a 396, but was actually bored .030 bigger at the factory to 402. In 1971, it was sold as a 400, which was the cause of much confusion because of the 400 sb that also came out in 1970. An easy way to identify it is the balancer. A 454 in externally balanced and the balancer is not evenly weighted all the way around, where as the short-stroke 396/402/427 all used the same crank and balancer. It is smooth and evenly weighted. In a vehicle as old as this 1972 is, it's quite possible that the original 402 was replaced with a 454 due to the fact they are easier to come by than the 402 is these days.

NOTE (not from Devin): With the introduction of the LSx motors in the late 90's, all big block motors are doomed to become obsolete in the near future, with the exception of certain racing & marine applications. With their cost of parts, weight, operationing expenses, raising fuel costs & introduction of modern technologies & materials making smaller, lighter weight motors more effiecient & power capible, leaving big block motors with a shaky future.

Thanks to Devin Timmons for submitting this information.

What does FLAPS stand for?

Friendly Local Auto Parts Supplier.

Thanks to Wayne Osborne for submitting this information.

What does RPO stand for?

Regular Production Option.

What battery would you recommend?

I'd recommend using the yellow top Optimas. Don't confuse these with the red top Optimas which are not deep-cycle batteries. Optimas are sealed and typically used in marine applications, but also high output applications as well.

Where can I get the GM Restoration Package?

This packet is free from the General Motors Chevrolet Division & is the ultimate reference for your old truck. You will need your VIN number when contacting them for this pack.

If you want to write them at:

Chevrolet Customer Assistance Center
Chevrolet Motor Division
General Motors Corporation
P.O. Box 7047
Troy, Michigan 48007-7047
Phone: 1-800-222-1020

Don't be surprised if it takes 10 to 15 calls to finally get through. Ask for a "Restoration Package" (it's free in the USA). They will want your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) & the year for your truck. The restoration package they send includes complete engineering specifications for your year truck & a long list of part vendors for classic Chevys.

NOTE: The USA Restoration Pack will NOT give you specific information for your individual vehicle, but generic info for the model year of your truck.

Canadian truck owners should contact:

GM Canada Vintage Vehicle Services
Phone: (in Canada) 1-888-467-6853, between 8:00 A.M. & 5:00 P.M. Eastern time. (Outside Canada 1-905-644-3387 or 1-905-644-4060).

Unlike the US Restoration Packs, GM Canada charges for theirs however, unlike the USA version, you will receive information specific to your particular truck.

The cost is as follows:
For vehicles 1963 & older: $25.00 (CDN) + GST & PST (Ont.)
For 1964 to current vehicles: $45.00 (CDN) + GST & PST (Ont.)
Once again, those prices are in Canadian dollars.

Thanks to Tom Caperton for submiting this information.